Anyone notice that USFS chose Nagasu over Flatt as the 3rd worlds alternate (they skipped Gao but chose to send her to JR worlds instead)? Flatt was 6th so technically she'd be next, but skipped to Nagasu.

However, Flatt is listed as the FIRST alternate to 4CC...very odd ordering as far as alternates are concerned.

I think they threw Rachael a bone there (with the 1st alternate to 4CC) because it's only a few weeks after nationals and because she's got such strong ties to the area. Plus there is the little matter of that 45 foot mural!

Mirai's alternate to worlds spot was probably 1/2 respect for Frank's history and Mirai's talent, and 1/2 concern about Rachael's poor form in the GP + competing priorities. I think they trust her to acquit herself well if an event is close in time to Nationals, where she peaked, but not so much at the end of March, which is right before her Winter quarter finals.